Fenton Jerome “Jerry” Horton
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Fenton Jerome “Jerry” Horton
Fenton Jerome “Jerry” Horton, age 90, of Hays, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Hays.
He was born March 18, 1935, in Salina, Kansas, to Forrest and Thelma (Traylor) Horton.
He graduated from Salina High School in 1953 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Washburn University in 1959, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and Young Democrats. On September 9, 1956, Jerry married Dixie (Patterson) in Salina. They shared 62 years of marriage before her passing on January 19, 2019.
Jerry devoted more than 40 years to State Farm, working as an insurance adjuster before joining the agency’s disaster team prior to retiring.
He was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Optimist Club, and a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a church elder and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He also served on the boards of the Humane Society of the High Plains and the Community Assistance Center and volunteered with the American Red Cross. He enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 14—an act that required a letter from his father because of his young age and underscored his early commitment to service.
Jerry is survived by his loving children: daughter Laura Kolb (Kelvin) of Hays, son Frank Horton (Karla) of Nashville, Tennessee, daughter Lisa Hendershott (Ronnie) of Hays, son David Horton (Chris) of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter Linda Street (Steve Froelich) of Gardner; his sister, Diantha Kerbs of Auburn, Washington; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dixie; and his brother, Forrest Horton Jr.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in HaysArrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or the First Presbyterian Church of Hays.
